moments with my hubby and three children, family & friends updated here with some snapshots. To be remembered, to be shared and to be cherished. Intertwined with simple thoughts about my divine likes and dislikes in my simple yet divine life.

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Tuesday, November 9, 2010

I don't know why during the Hari Raya season, I had the sudden urge to find a Red Velvet Cake recipe. Having tasted it during various open houses albeit all in one day, I had this sudden desire to find a recipe, try and taste my own Red Velvet Cake!

So down the google lane I went checking out for easy to make RVC recipes. Ha!ha! Besides the remarks or feedbacks that are posted by those who have tried the recipes in the recipe forums, my one other important criteria of trying out a recipe is that the ingredients are not that difficult to find and the method is not too complicated. So I found one that I was happy with (by reading the recipe that is...) and walla...

My 1st RVC.

The feedback from my mother (my most honest and sincere food critic)... two thumbs up! I was over the moon. If that was not enough, because I was not too happy with the cake, cause I thought it had some bitter spots, so I took a quarter of a slice to work, to be shared and commented by my buddies at work. They loved it too, yes there were some bitter spots, not sure where that came from. Was it the colouring or the baking soda, I'm not sure, anybody out there know why? Do drop me a line if you do.

Anyhow, here's the recipe that I got from the internet. Fudged as suggested by those who tried and commented in the recipe site, cannot remember which one probably from allrecipes.com.

3. Combine the buttermilk*** - salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the oil and 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the cocoa mixture. Beat in the buttermilk mixture alternately with the flour, mixing just until incorporated. Stir together baking soda and vinegar, then gently fold into the cake batter.

4. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

*** the recipe actually calls for buttermilk - here's what needs to be done in the absence of buttermilk

1. Place a Tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in a liquid measuring cup. 2. Add enough milk to bring the liquid up to the one-cup line. 3. Let stand for five minute. Then, use as much as your recipe calls for.

Cream Cheese Frosting II

Ingredients (US)

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 8 ounces cream cheese

• 4 cups confectioners' sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 tsp orange rind

Ingredients (metric)

• 115 g butter, softened

• 225 g cream cheese

• 480 g confectioners' sugar

• 10 ml vanilla extract

• 1 tsp orange rind

Directions

1. Beat softened butter and cream cheese until well blended.

2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until creamy.

# note: I would actually cut down the sugar a little the next time I use this recipe.

A piece of cake - literally! :-)

So if you are giving this recipe a try and if you managed to tweak it successfully, do let me know yah!

Monday, November 8, 2010

On the 9th of October, it was that time of the year again for my office's stampede breakfast and family day. Stampede is actually a Calgary's tradition, which was brought over to KL Office for us to have a taste of the Canadian's culture. Mainly on this day you'd get to see the bosses preparing the pancakes, get dunked and also get thrown of the mechanical bull. Ha!ha! interesting eh? Over the past few years, the stampede breakfast has been merged with the family day. Everyone gets to bring their family, for a day of fun, food, games and particularly this year loads of mud and dirt! Enjoy the pictures...

We start with breakfast, before the pancakes were ready, we could not resist the Nasi Lemak.

Me and Azleen.

Even first thing in the morning when we arrived, the field was already muddy!

This is nothing.... compared to the condition of this very same spot by noon!

We were entertained by a band singing Country & Western numbers throughout the day.

Zaim catching a ride on Thomas and Friends Engines. Choo!choo!

The committee performing their opening dance - Shakira's Waka Waka!

Preparing the pancakes.

Our acting Country Manager tossing away!

JT's welcoming speech and officiating the Stampede & Family Day, with a yeee-haw!!!

Gorgeous picture opportunity, with the bright sun and green backdrops.

Everyone had their body parts painted. Nayli got a white horse on her cheek.

After the flag, he noticed my cheek, and decided that he wanted one on his cheek too!

So there!

Batman and Cowgirl.

Zaim, happily posing away to show off his Batman sign!

Girly stuff on our cheeks!

Sand art is a must must must for Zarif!

The crowd under the tent.

Tickle Tickle Tickle Mr. Hamster!

More cute stuff around at the mini petting zoo.

Tiny rat in Nayli's palms.

A raccoon.

Eeeww slimy stuff.

Zaim was feeling icky yet curious.

There were also tele-matches for the children.

Zaim watching from the sideline.

A picture with Jim Tarlton, Linda and hubby.

Brother and Sister collaboration.

When it was the adult's turn to play, I had a"little" problem.

Someone refused to be left on the side.

Tug-Of-War!

Supporter! Ha!ha!

Nayli gathered her guts and finally did it - she actually held the snake!

Lunchtime.

This is the condition of our shoes and the ground, by noon!

Lunch was roasted lamb! Yummy!

Hana was so kind to handle Zaim, while I enjoyed my lunch! Thanks Hana!

My brother.

Zarif, not to be outdone by the sister conquered his fears and ickiness! Well done, boy!

Zaim did the Waka! Waka! on stage!

Nayli tried the Bull!

Zarif too!

The day was searing hot, the ground wet and muddy. However, the food was superb (thanks to the excellent caterer wink!wink!), and it was good fun for the kids. Already they are looking forward to next year's stampede, god willing. Hopefully, the organizers would decide on a better venue. ﻿